Simplicity Bassinets Recall Information

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. The CPSC is warning parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., due to a serious safety risk.

Below is a listing of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible "Close-Sleeper" model bassinets that are included in this recall. The model number can be found on a label on the underside of the bassinet.



The following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. – (800) 925-6278 or www.walmart.com

Toys "R" Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. - (800) 869-7787 or www.toysrus.com or www.babiesrus.com

Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill. – (800) 659-7026 or www.kmart.com

Big Lots!, of Columbus, Ohio – (866) 244-5687 or www.biglots.com

Target of Minneapolis, Minnesota sold at www.target.com only

J.C. Penney, of Plano, Texas – (888) 333-6063 or www.jcp.com

Monopoly Fans Around The World Attempt To Set World Record

To celebrate the release of the new Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition game, an estimated 3,361 people from around the world joined together yesterday to set a new Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Simultaneous Game of Monopoly.

At precisely 14:00 GMT, players in dozens of cities including London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Las Vegas and Atlantic City sat down to join a game of Monopoly in the hopes of setting the World Record participant count and make Monopoly history.

Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition is the first-ever world edition of the iconic game. The cities on the board were selected by fan's votes from around the world in early 2008 with Montreal becoming the most expensive piece of property on the board. The game is available now in stores around the world. Please visit www.monopoly.com to find out local availability and price.

The final tally of participants is pending verification from Guinness World Records. We will let you know the outcome as soon as available.

Transformers Two

You don't have to dig too deep to find leaked images from the sets of the Transformers movie sequel, currently in production. With each new vehicle photographed, such as the one below of an ice cream truck, Transformers fans go crazy with speculation as to what the movie's story line will be.



However, we are also hearing that the film's director, Michael Bay, has been one-upping the Internet gossip by placing vehicles on the sets that have absolutely nothing to do with the film. We can guarantee you that all the rumors will be put to rest next summer when the movie arrives in theaters and this vehicle will definitely play a major role:

We've Been Nominated For A Relly!

The nominees for the 6th annual Relly Awards were announced and our own Chris Byrne is among the list. The Relly's are the awards that go to some of the most memorable Live With Regis And Kelly segments and they are selected by you!

Back in February, we stopped by Live with some of the coolest toys from Toy Fair. Among those items were several gallons of Nickelodeon's slime, which we dumped all over Kelly, her guest co-host and husband, Mark Consuelos, and of course, The Toy Guy, aka Chris Byrne.

That segment is now nominated for a Relly! Voting is open now through the end of the week. You can check out all the nominees and vote for your favorite now by clicking here!

Happy Birthday!

To our friend Regis Philbin!

New Video Games Due This Week

Mac
Sid Meier's Pirates! Live the Life

Nintendo DS
MLB Power Pros 2008
Air Traffic Chaos
Digimon World Championship
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
From the Abyss
Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness
My Chinese Coach
N+
Pictoimage
The Quest Trio
The Sims 2: Apartment Pets
Time Hollow

Nintendo Wii
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
Ford Racing Off Road
Freddi Fish: The Case of The Missing Kelp Seeds
Helix
Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf
Mario Super Sluggers
Pajama Sam: Don't Fear the Dark
Rebel Raiders: Operation NightHawk
Spy Fox In Dry Cereal
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play

PC
futureU: The Prep Game for SAT
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage
GTR Evolution
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Outcry
Sam & Max: Season Two
Sims 2: Apartment Life
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Game of Life

PS2
DT Carnage
Falling Stars
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Shining Dragon

PS3
Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Vampire Rain: Altered Species
The Last Guy

PSP
Cake Mania: Baker's Challenge
N+
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Pilot Academy

Xbox 360
Castle Crashers
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Tales of Vesperia
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

Discover Magazine's 10 Best Sci Fi Planets

Thinking of building a dream home on your favorite Science Fiction world? Then you might want to check out Discover Magazine'slist of the 10 Best Science Fiction Planets.

There are a few planets on the list that I totally agree with such as Frank Herbert's Dune and Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red, Green and Blue Mars. However, of all the planets in the Star Wars universe, I don't understand why Discover choose Yoda's hideout hot spot of Dagobah.

Check out the full list for yourself at Discover Magazine.

- Jeff

Fisher-Price Recalls Learning Pots and Pans

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher-Price, announced a voluntary recall of the Learning Pots & Pans Toys due to a potential choking hazard to young children. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

This recall involves Learning Pots and Pans toy sets with stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks. The toys have light and sound features that operate on three AA batteries. Model number G6685 is located on the bottom of the blue pan. The recalled items were sold at discount department and toy stores nationwide from October 2007 to August 2008 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and examine the bottom of the blue pan. The pan should contain six screws. If all six screws are installed, no further action is necessary. If any screws are missing, the consumer should contact Fisher-Price to arrange for the return of the blue pan for a replacement. For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (888) 521-0820 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

BKFK Going Green Challenge Winner Announced

Early this year, we blogged about the By Kids for Kids (BKFK) 'Going Green Challenge'. The challenge was a call to teenagers to help solve some of our most pressing environmental issues, including global warming, drought, famine and flooding with the winning individual or team receiving a $10,000 grand prize.

Last week that winner was announced by the Weather Channel, which sponsored the challenge, and Elizabeth Rintels, 12, of Keswick, VA won the $10,000 Grand Prize for her "Water Watcher" invention, a device designed to monitor and measure water usage.

From BKFK:

"Realizing just how much water it took to take a shower, Elizabeth began seeking a way to enhance awareness of water usage. After learning that reducing her shower time only by one minute would save approximately 1,000 gallons of water per year, she was driven to find a smarter way of utilizing this valuable resource.  As a result, Elizabeth created "The Water Watcher," a device that can be fastened to any faucet.  It signals a red light and sounds a beep every time a half-gallon of water is used."

New Video Games Due This Week

Nintendo DS
The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom
Commando: Steel Disaster
MLB Power Pros 2008
Mazes of Fate

Nintendo Wii
Ford Racing Off Road
Mario Super Sluggers
Super PickUps

PC
Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm
Murder in the Abbey
Perfect World
Sam & Max: Season Two
Shattered Suns
Two Worlds: Epic Edition
UberSoldier II
Tank Universal

PS2
Falling Stars
Shepherd's Crossing

PS3
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty

PSP
Cake Mania: Baker's Challenge
Fading Shadows

Xbox 360
Smash Court Tennis 3
Too Human
Crash Time: Autobahn Pursuit

Konami's New International Track And Field

If you can't get enough Olympics action then maybe you should check out Konami's New International Track And Field for the Nintendo DS. The game features over 20 classic track and field challenges, including the 100 meter sprint, high jump, archery, pole vaulting, and javelin throw. Konami fans will instantly recognize some of the familiar characters from other Konami games and everyone will get a kick out of customizing their own athletes.

New International Track And Field takes full advantage of the DS's unique attributes such as the touch screen and microphone-shouting words of encouragement at your athlete will give the character a boost. You don't have to travel to China to challenge the world because this game also has an online component that uses the DS's Wi-Fi connection to enable you to enter tournaments and view your international ranking.

New International Track And Field is rated E10+ and is available now in stores and online e-commerce sites for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

- Jeff

Fisher-Price Recalls Learning Pots and Pans Toys

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher-Price, announced a voluntary recall of the Learning Pots & Pans Toys due to a potential chocking hazard.

This recall involves Learning Pots and Pans toy sets with stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks. The toys have light and sound features that operate on three AA batteries. Model number G6685 is located on the bottom of the blue pan. The recalled items were sold at discount department and toy stores nationwide from October 2007 to August 2008 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and examine the bottom of the blue pan. The pan should contain six screws. If all six screws are installed, no further action is necessary. If any screws are missing, the consumer should contact Fisher-Price to arrange for the return of the blue pan for a replacement. For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (888) 521-0820 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

The Latest Olympic Medal Count

Some of us here at ToyGuy HQ are almost as excited about the Olympics as we are about toys. Congrats to last night's under-dogs, the men's gymnastics team, who won the bronze!

Here are the latest standings as of 8:00 AM EST (Tuesday):

New Video Games Due This Week

Nintendo DS
Bangai-O Spirits
Imagine: Teacher
Madden NFL 09
Mazes of Fate
Wordmaster

Nintendo Wii
Madden NFL 09 All-Play
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People -- Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner

PC
Dracula 3: The Path of the Dragon
MindHabits
Shot-Online Season 2
Sinking Island
Space Siege
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People -- Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner

PS2
Cake Mania: Baker's Challenge
Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour
Madden NFL 09

PS3
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Madden NFL 09
Madden NFL 09: 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition

PSP
Madden NFL 09
N+

Xbox 360
Bionic Commando Rearmed
Crash Time: Autobahn Pursuit
Fable II Pub Games
Madden NFL 09
Madden NFL 09: 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition

Kids II Recalls Infant Rattles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Kids II Inc., announced a voluntary recall of the Bright Starts Ring Rattles due to a chocking hazard.

The soft toy rattle is a bee with a yellow head, ring-shaped green body, blue/green wings and purple/red antennas. Model number 8534 and date code PA8 are printed on a sewn-in label on the bee’s head. They were sold at toy stores, mass merchandisers, and other retail stores nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for about $2-3.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from small children and contact Kids II to receive a free replacement rattle. For additional information, contact Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidsii.com.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Last week I met with some great people who work at LucasArts to get a preview of three of their video games due in stores this holiday season. All three of the games on display were amazing but of the three, one really blew me away. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is by far one of the best games that I have ever played and I had a hard time putting down the controller and walking away from it.

The game takes place between the 3rd (Revenge Of The Sith) and 4th (A New Hope) movies and you play through as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, hand picked and trained by Vader to help him seek out and destroy the surviving Jedi. Your weapon, of course, is a lightsaber and enough force power to hurtle space ships. The level I played through was a Tie-Fighter manufacturing station and after slicing a droid in half with my lightsaber-I'm sure it was an evil droid who had it coming-I used the force to grab a Tie-Fighter and hurtle it at my enemies. 

The graphics on this game are immense with just about everything you see reacting if it is touched. For example, I blew something up dangerously close to a window, which then shattered that window causing everything in the room (myself included) to begin getting sucked out into space until the emergency blast doors closed over the hole.



Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be in stores September 16, for the Nintendo Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360.

- Jeff

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer

We know August just started but here at theToyGuy we are already eagerly looking forward to November and the release of the 6th Harry Potter movie—Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The first official trailer for the movie was released last week and it looks awesome! Check it out for yourself and try to tell us you aren't excited to return to Hogwart's.

Elmo Live Pre-Orders Begin Today

In case you missed our post on Friday, Fisher-Price is working with several toy retailers to offer Elmo Live pre-orders starting today.

Scroll down to Friday's post for the full details.

New Video Games Due This Week

Nintendo DS
The Cheetah Girls: Passport to Stardom
Grid
Little League World Series Baseball 2008
Professor Brainium
Quick Yoga Training
Rock Blast

Nintendo Wii
Little League World Series Baseball 2008
Puzzler Collection

PC
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People -- Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
UberSoldier II
Sam & Max: Season Two
Shot-Online Season 2

PS2
B-Boy
Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour
Jeep Thrills

PS3
Monster Madness: Grave Danger

Xbox 360
Crash Time: Autobahn Pursuit
Braid

Elmo Live Pre-Orders Begin August 5

Starting on August 5th, 2008, retailers will begin accepting pre-orders for the highly anticipated Elmo Live, which will be in stores October 14th.

Elmo Live, the revolutionary Elmo toy, has been making headlines everywhere since it's Toy Fair premier in February. In this truly life-like creation, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head moves back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose.

Retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys“R”Us, Target, Kmart, amazon.com, eToys.com and more are working with Fisher-Price, to offer a special opportunity to pre-order through their individual websites.